Advanced Dungeo~ns COMPUI'EK PRODUCT
lflLLsFAR A FORGOITEJV Rl3'ALMS"" Action CLUE ---- TABLE OF CONmNl'S
HINTS & QUESTS ...... 1
INTRODUCTION ...... l
EQUESTRIAN HINTS ...... 1
ARCHERY HINTS ...... 2
ARENA HINTS ...... 3
MAZE RUNNING HINTS ...... 4
LOCKPICK HINTS ...... 4
GENERAL HINTS ...... 4
QUEST HINTS ...... 5
THIEF QUESTS ...... 5
FIGHTER QUESTS ...... 6
MAGIC.USER QUESTS ...... 7
CLERIC QUESTS ...... 9
THE LORE OF HILLS FAR ...... I 0 "Tanareve, the Cleric" ...... 11 "Ren o' the Star, the Thief" ...... I 5 "Gr~ite, Dwarven Fighter" ...... ·...... 18 "Mhai, the Mage" ...... 22
Clue Book: Strategic Simulations, Inc. reserves the right to make improvements Inthe product descritied in this clue book at anytime and without notice. Bret Beny & Westwood Associates Strategic Simulations, Inc. makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to this clue boo~ its quality, merchantability or frtness for any particular purpose. This clue book is Art, Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing: provided "as is'. Louis Saekow Design: David Boudreau & Peter Gascoyne ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, AD&D, FORGOffiN REALMS and the TSR logo are trademarks owned by and used under license from TSR, Inc., Lake Geneva, WI. USA Copyright 1989 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Clue Book Production: This cluebook is ccpyrighted and Includes proprietary information tielonging to TSR, Inc. No one is permitted to sell ccpies of this cluebook to any person or Institution except as Louis Saekow Design: Kirk Nichols & Ben Willemsen provided for by written agreement vnth Strategic Simulations, Inc. and TSR, Inc. No one may copy, photoccpy, reproduce, translate, or reduce to machine readable form this clue Printing: book vnthout the pnor wntten ccnsent of TSR, Inc. A&a Printers & Lithographers Arr; pe.rsons reproduci.ng any portion of this clue book for any reason, inany media. shall tie guilty of copyright violation and subject to the appropriate civil or criminal action at the discretion of the ccpynght holder(s). does not ever need to be hit in order to move up levels in the archery event. Bird: The bird can be hit at any time, but you must hit him in the head or body area. If you hit his wings, it will not score a hit. The bird is worth more points on the higher levels. rv. TARGETS Birds and arrows cannot be destroyed with Swinging: This is the target that swings back the Rod of Blasting. They must be avoided by and forth from left: to right. This target has ducking. If the horse is galloping at full speed, three scoring ranges. It is worth the least the birds and arrows will not appear very when it is hanging straight down. It is worth H1LL.5FAR, Strategic Simulations, lnc.'s often. ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS9 action the most when it is at its highest point either adventure game set in the FORGOTTEN There are three locations (rock quarry, wiz to the right or to the left:. You receive a medi REALMS
2 The best time to hit the monsters is just when If you hit M:oooKA after the second head butt, they are starting their own attack. If they are he will be stunned longer. attacking from the right, you should try to Er!oc: (left, right), left, tail attack, tail attack. attack from the same direction. Sometimes monsters are stunned when hit. This allows ScAfuIBAKT: attack to midsection, left, left, them to be hit again, if done immediately. attack to midsection, right. Detailed clues on how to defeat the first four monsters, are provided in the pubs. Use the "LISTEN TO GOSSIP" option when in the pubs to get these clues. The following is a list of the attack patterns for each of the 16 monsters (The attack pattern always repeats. However, if a pattern is in parentheses there is a 50% chance that the pattern will be repeated before continuing on. Look below at Ssslader as an example. First he will attack right, then left. Now there is a 50% chance that he will You should memorize how your picks are 'IJJe four monster types you will repeat the right, left combination before arranged on the screen. You will also realize encounter Jn the Arena: attacking with his tail, followed by a left.). after repeated use, that some of the pick ends are never used. ATIACK PATIEKNS: The Chime of Opening can be found in the LEFl'Y: left, left, left, right. secret room at the Wizard's Labyrinth. It will be in the sixth chest. If the Chime of Opening RED MINOTAUR: left, head butt, right. breaks, you will be able to find another one Move quickly and keep an eye on the time where you found the first one. SssLADBK: (right, lef!), (tail attack, left). bar. It is possible to run out of time and still exit, as long as a guard doesn't touch you The thief class character, or other characters If you hit SssLADEK after his tail attack he will before you find the exit. Try to avoid getting with an NPC thief accompanying them, will be stunned twice as long as normal. Ore Minotaur trapped in a corridor with only one exit. encounter more locked chests than the non M:oKIN: (left, left), (right, right), attack to thief character classes. Secret Rooms: To find a secret room, you midsection. should start searching in the upper, left part of Oms: left, right. the maze. The secret door will always be on a left wall. You must bump into the wall in order TAURUS - (left), head butt, (right). to find the secret door to the secret room. WHIPLASH: left, right, right, tail attack. Following is a list of all the places which con tain a secret room: KELLER: attack to midsection, left, right. You may either go into the Arena or rest in Uzard Man Knight I. Castle your guild to get rid of the NPC thief traveling BoNE BR.EAKER: right, left, left. 2. Mages' Tower with you. A character's strength affects the amount of SJllASHEK: (head butt), left, left. damage he may inflict on his opponent with 3. Haunted Mansion To make time pass, rest in your respective each hit. A higher strength will inflict more HlsssA: tail attack, (left, left), tail attack, right. guild. 4. Wizard's Labyrinth damage. If you hit HlsssA after the second tail attack he Save the game (you must return to camp to Always try to be fully healed whenever enter will be stunned a little longer than normal. 5. Rogues' Guild save) often to prevent loss of progress due to the demise of your character. ing the arena. The more hit points you have, KALLAK: left, left, attack to midsection, right. 6. Mages' Guild the longer you can survive. You should When drinking in the pubs, always remember 7. Fighters' Guild always cany healing potions into the arena BLOODS BANE: right, left, right, left, left. to drink in moderation. if you plan to fight more than one monster. If you hit BLOODS BANE after the last left, he 8. Temple of Tempus Healing potions may be drunk between If you forget what your last clue was, you may will be stunned longer. combat rounds. display it on the screen by hitting the 'R' key M:oooKA: head butt, right, left, head butt, when in the city of Hillsfar. head butt.
3 4 3. SEWER: lst locked chest (piece together 9. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE OF TEM U/ A R N I N G an old note). PUS: (meet the Grey Wolves' thieves).
'lbe rest of this section will reveal step by 4. DRAGON'S LAIR PUB: Listen to gossip 10. MAGES' TOWER (the secret room): (dis (hear information about the Hut). cover book of Arcane Lore). There are four types of quests possible in step details for every quest in the game. Hillsfar, and there are three individual quests 'lbe location of where you should be will 5. HUT (outside the city of Hillsfar): (discover 11. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE DRAGON'S LAIR per quest type. The four types are: be listed first, followed by what action hint about picking the cellar door in one PUB AT 4 A.M.: (meet again with the Grey you should perform in order to get the of the pubs) Wolves). I . Fighter quests clue message. 'lbe object you should find, or hint you should receive (if obscure), 6. ANY PUB: Do not pick the cellar door, but 12. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. 2. Thief quests listen to gossip will be shown in parentheses. Do not read 13. ANY PUB: Listen to gossip. 3. Magic-user quests further if you wish to solve the quests on 7. SEWER IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF THE 14. DEAD DRAGON (get there by hidden trail 4. Cleric quests yourownl CITY: 5th locked chest (find dead thief). from the shipwreck): 5th locked chest Note: If you enter Hillsfar with a multiple-class Note: When seeking a clue in any pub, if the 8. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. (discover a claw-shaped pick). character, you will be assigned one of the following step by step quest instructions do 9. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS (in the secret room): 15. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE DRAGON'S LAIR above quest types randomly. For example, if not ask you to perform a specific activity, 4th locked chest (find the amulet, but PUB ANYTIME: (You'll get the next you are a magic-user/thief, you may be you may do any of the following to get the have it taken). message.). assigned either the magic-user or thief quests, next clue: but not both. I . LISTEN TO GOSSIP: It may take more than 10. HEALER SHOP (southwest): Talk to the 16. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end owner. of the third thief quest). Each character has a colored tunic, denotinµ one try. which quest he/she is on. when riding in the 11. HERMIT'S PLACE: (find Hermit's diary). 2. HIDE IN THE SHADOWS: (Thief only). Equestrian event (C-64 version only). Here 12. ROCK QUARRY: (find a rusty pick). are the tunic colors and their associated 3. PICK POCKETS: (Thief only). quest type: 13. CASTLE (in the secret room): 7th chest 4. CHARM BARMAID: (Magic-user only). (find the amulet). I . Red - Fighter 5. GIVE FREE HEALINGS: (Cleric only). 14. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end 2. Purple -Thief flGHTER QUFST I: 6. BUY THE HOUSE A ROUND. of the second thief quest). 3. - Magic-user 1. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. 7. BUY THE BARMAID A DRINK or OFFER BAR · 4. Blue - Cleric THIEF QUFST 3: MAID GOLD FOR INFO. 2. ARCHERY RANGE: Need to advance at 1. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. Pubs are the best sources of information in least 2 levels to get the next clue. Hillsfar. There are many miscellaneous bits of 2. MAGIC SHOP (when it is closed): 4th chest 3. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. information to be obtained at the pubs. (discover a wolf's head pick). However, some of the information obtained 4. ARENA: Need to have defeated the Red 3. ANY PUB: Listen to gossip (get hint about will be false or misleading. If you think the Minotaur to get the next clue. the trading post). next clue for a quest should be in a pub, but 5. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. can't seem to find it, you may need to get 11llEf QUFST I: 4. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. •noticed." To get noticed, you should first buy 6. CEMETERY: I st chest, unlocked (hint I. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. a drink and then try the ·usTEN TO GOSSIP" 5. ANY PUB: Listen to gossip (hint about an about the jail). ore, Ottis, who fights in the arena). option. You may need to listen to gossip sev 2. MAGIC SHOP: Talk to the owner. 7. JAIL: 2nd chest, unlocked (find desired eral times before someone notices you. 3. ANY SEWER: lst chest, unlocked (find 6. ARENA: Need to defeat Ottis, the ore, to documents). get the next clue. If you get stumped at any point during a poison fungus) . 8. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master (end quest, try a pub, your guild, or search areas 4. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. 7. BUGBEAR'S CAVE PUB: Have a drink and of the first fighter quest). (accomplished by hitting the fire button on listen to gossip (this doesn't happen the joystick or the spacebar) in the city of 5. HERMIT'S PLACE: 2nd chest (find misty immediately). flGHTER QUEST 2: Hills far. white liquid). 8. ARCHERY: Need to go up about 4 levels in 1. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. 6. ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end All of the quests are linear; you need to com the archery event (Tanna eventually gives 2. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE CASTLE: Can go of the first thief quest). plete a certain activity or step before going on the next hint). one of two ways from here, either to the to the next. 11llEF QUFST 2: cemetery (step 9) or the Rat's Nest Pub (step 3). I . ROGUES' GUILD: Talk to the master. 3. RAT'S NEST PUB: Listen to gossip (hint 2. ANY PUB: (hear rumor about stolen about looking in the sewers). amulet by thief hiding in the sewers). 5 6 4. ANY SEWER: 4th or maybe 8th chest 6. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. 6. HYDRA'S DEN PUB: Have a drink and 10. MAGES' TOWER (in the secret room): (meet a beggar who gives hint about listen to gossip (clue about going to the lst chest. 7. ARENA: Must have beaten Taurus to get the arena). ruins). the next clue. From here the player will be directed to either 5. ARENA: Must have defeated Ottis, the ore, 7. RUINS: 6th chest (find a gold pendant). the RUINS (step 11) or the HUT (step 12) or 8. ANY PUB: (hint about the healer). to get the next clue. the HERMIT'S PLACE (step 13). 8. HYDRA'S DEN PUB: Charm the barmaid. 9. HEALER SHOP IN THE SOUTHWEST OF 6. HERMIT'S PLACE: (find a poster). 11. RUINS: 2nd chest. HILLSFAR: Talk to the owner. 9. DRAGON'S LAIR PUB: Charm the barmaid 7. RAT'S NEST PUB: Buy the barmaid a drink. (must have at least 500 gold pieces). From here the player will need to go to the 10. ROCK QUARRY: 3rd chest, unlocked (find ARENA (step 14). 8. HAUNTED MANSION (in the secret room): a bonnet). 10. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end of Will find Jared here and the player will the second magic-user quest). 12. THE HUT: 2nd chest. 11 . FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. need to decide to help Jared or nol If the From here the player will need to go to the player helps Jared, he/she will go to step 12. ANY PUB: (hint about the guild). MAGIC.USER QUEST 3: ARENA (step 14). 15. Otherwise he/she will go to step 17. 13. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. Note: This magic-user quest has random 13. HERMIT'S PLACE: 2nd chest. 9. CEMETERY: Will meet King Maalthiir's paths to get to the end. 14. RUINS: 6th chest, unlocked (find Ariana). daughter and the player will need to 1. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master (this From here the player will need to go to the decide whether to help her or not. If the 15. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master (end will give a hint that you are tired, so you ARENA (step 14). player decides to help her, he/she will go of the third fighter que&t). should rest in order to get the next hint). 14. ARENA: Must beat Taurus, the Minotaur to the next step or else he/she will need (the 6th monster). to go to the Rat's Nest Pub (step 3). 2. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master. The computer will randomly suggest that the From here the player will be directed to either 10. SHIPWRECK: 5th chest (will find a letter). player go either to the MAGIC SHOP (step a PUB (step 15) or the MAGES' GUILD (step 11 . HYDRA'S DEN PUB: Buy the barmaid 3) or BOOKSTORE (step 4). 16) or the CEMETERY (step 17). a drink. 3. MAGIC SHOP (when it is closed): 2nd 15. ANY PUB: Charm the barmaid. 12. HERMIT'S PLACE: 6th chest (hint to go to MAGIC~ QUEST I: chest (will find reddish liquid). From here the player will need to go to the MAGES' From here go to the SHIPWRECK (step 18). the Haunted Mansion). 1. MAGES' GUILD:-Talk to the master. GUILD (step 5) or the ROCK QUARRY 16. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master. 13. HAUNTED MANSION: Will find Jared here 2. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. (step 6). and assist him. From here the player will be directed to either 3. DEAD DRAGON (take hidden trail from the 4. BOOKSTORE (when it is closed): SHIPWRECK (step 18) or the RAT'S NEST PUB 14. MAGES' TOWER (secret room): Will find shipwreck to get there): (find squid 4th chest. (step 19). the princess' jewels. remains). From here the player will be directed to the 17. CEMETERY: 6th chest. 15. BUGBEAR'S CAVE PUB: Buy the barmaid 4. MAGIC SHOP: Talk to the owner. DRAGON'S LAIR PUB (step 7) or to the ROCK a drink. QUARRY (step 6). From here go to the SHIPWRECK (step 18). 5. DEAD DRAGON: (hint about the Hydra's 16. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. Den Pub). 5. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master. 18. SHIPWRECK: 7th chest. 17. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master (end 6. HYDRA'S DEN PUB: (hint about trader). From here the player will need to go to the From here go to the HAUNTED MANSION of the second fighter quest). ARCHERY RANGE (step 8). (step 20). 7. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. 6. ROCK QUARRY: Need to now go to the 19. RAT'S NEST PUB: Buy the barmaid a drink. flGHIEll QUEST 3: 8. MAGIC SHOP: Talk to the owner. ARCHERY RANGE (step 8). l. FIGHTERS' GUILD: Talk to the master. From here go to the HAUNTED MANSION 9. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end 7. DRAGON'S LAIR PUB: Buy the barmaid (step 20). 2. SEARCH NEXT DOOR TO TtfE STABLES: of the first magic-user quest). a drink. Will meet Hector Sams. 20. HAUNTED MANSION (secret room): MAGIC~ QUEST 2: From here the player will need to go to the 2nd chest. 3. CEMETERY: 4th chest (find a map). 1. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master. ARCHERY RANGE (step 8). 21. MAGES' GUILD: Talk to the master (end of 4. BIG TREE: 2nd chest (find a body). the third magic-user quest). 2. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. 8. ARCHERY RANGE: Will need to get to at 5. ARCHERY RANGE: Must be at the 5th or least the 4th level to get the clue. higher level to get the next clue (this is 3. BOOKSTORE: First chest (C.64 version) I From here the player will need to go to the difficult). Talk to the owner (IBM version). WIZARD'S LABYRINTH (step 9). 4. MAGICSHOP: Talk to the owner (hint about the archery range) . • 9. WIZARD'S LABYRINTH: 2nd chest. 5. TANNA'S ARCHERY RANGE: Need to attain From here the player will need to go to the the third level to get the next clue. MAGES' TOWER (step l 0).
7 8 CLERIC QUEST 3: I. SEARCH OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: (will receive the first clue). CLERIC QUEST 1: 2. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master (the player must eventually give the donation to I. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master. Serson in order to continue the quest). 2. TRADING POST: Talk to the trader. 3. MAGES' TOWER: 8th chest (find the wand 3. BIG TREE: Ist chest, unlocked (find a with blue runes). dead person). 4. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master. 4. TEMfLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master. 5. SEARCH RIGHT OUTSIDE THE TEMPLE OF 5. TRADlNG POST: Talk to the trader. TEMPUS: (will get a message to go to the Rat's Nest pub). 6. HERMIT'S PLACE: (find holy scriptures). 6. RAT'S NEST PUB (MUST BE 8, 9, OR lO 7. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master O'CLOCK P.M.): Listen to gossip to meet a (end of the first cleric quest). woman named Dalma. CLERIC QUEST 2: 7. RAT'S NEST PUB THE NEXT DAY: Listen to gossip. I. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master. 8. TEMPIB OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master. 2. SEWER: Ist chest, unlocked. The player will need to decide whether or not to 9. RAT'S NEST PUB: Listen to gossip. turn the little man over to the Red IO. TEMPLE OFTEMPUS: Talk to the master. Plume Guards. I I. ROCK QUARRY: 3rd unlocked chest (find a If they turn the little man in to the guards dead Dalma and a hint about a mansion). they will not be given the clue to go to the Dragon's Lair Pub. I 2. HAUNTED MANSION: 6th chest (find Tina's ring). 3. DRAGON'S LAIR PUB: Listen to gossip. I3. TEMPLE OFTEMPUS: Talk to the master 4. HAUNTED MANSION: 2nd chest, unlocked (end of the third cleric quest). (find a note). 5. Hur: Ist unlocked chest (hint from an old man). 6. RUINS: Ist unlocked chest (find the magical incense). 7. TEMPLE OF TEMPUS: Talk to the master (end of the second cleric quest).
9 As the innkeeper turned back toward the the trading post. These three arrows bore no kitchen, Tanareve called after him. "And one identifying marks. "Whoever the bowman other thing, if I may ask?" The innkeeper was," Tanareve thought, "he isn't much of a turned back toward Tanareve, who continued. shot; assuming he wasn't just aiming at the "An acolyte of my faith, elderly but sturdy, tree, he missed his mark three times. " and bearing several books should have come through here some days past. Have Further inspection of the area turned up noth you seen him?" ing else. Tanareve sat cross-legged under the by Steve Wmter tree and closed his eyes. "Maybe I'll have one "Certainly," replied the innkeeper. "Two nights of Graeme's visions," he thought wryly. Then Tanareve loosened the buckles on the left A broad, red halo was spreading across the ago he dined at that very table and slept under he chuckled to himself, picturing the elder side of his leather breast plate. Slipping his sky as the trading post suddenly appeared . this very roof. When he left, he followed the acolyte squaring off against - how many? hand behind the circular target, he pulled the around a bend in the road. The priest cinched road toward the Big Tree, and I've seen and Two? Five? Ten bandits? Tanareve had seen heavy fabric of his robe away from his skin. up his armor and spurred his horse on toward heard naught of him since. Is he all right?" Graeme fight only twice and, in spite of his He fancied that he could hear a faint, sucking the gate. age, he fought with the grace and cunning of sound as the damp, coarse wool gave up its "That's what I'm here to find out," answered Tanareve drew a deep breath and smiled. The a mongoose. Even ten ordinary bandits would itchy grip on his chest. The day was uncom Tanareve. "Now, wine and goose!" intermingled smells of roasting meat, cinna have needed an archer to bring him down. monly warm for early spring. mon, ale, horses, "Wine and goose!" laughed the innkeeper, as But bowmen aren't hard to find. he returned to the kitchen. "Still," Tanareve and trade goods - so When Tanareve opened his eyes, he was sur thought, "I should characteristic of the ~~~'i'i prised to see that his horse was gone. Faith reach the trading ,. . ... i;:u H trading post - always The next morning, Tanareve was on the road was an intelligent animal who had never u ea. ing spe Se~l hoe-al potion post before too Tal k to the owner A~~· II filled him with a before the sun had risen above the treetops. strayed before. In a moment, Tanareve was Le ave much longer, and I I ======'.*.'\~,.,. •• • II~ sense of exotic He knew now where Graeme had gone. on his feet with his hammer in his hand. dare not remove adventure. After leav Tanareve had heard the acolyte talk about the Quickly he glanced in both directions along .. T he 011me:r sa~s . . . You ~Y need to my armor until I sea.J"Ch hui 1 d1 ngs "Ol"'E' than onc e s i n ee ing his horse at the soMe chests 11111 a y not :bE' disco1J e re d the Big Tree many times: how serene and wise it the road, but saw nothing. He worked his way gain the relative fi~t tiMe , stables, he strolled seemed, how sitting in its shade brought around the enormous tree trunk, moving as You ...ay buy a healing Potion fo'Z' 250 safety of the post." gold. through the market understanding and insight. "The old man was quietly as he could. Twenty yards away, at the The roads around Do you ta..l 11 12 snapped-off shaft of an arrow sticking out merchants arrived with news of a robbery to pages - the Text of Asrigir! "At least one of the smashed the spiritual hammer into one ban beneath his right ribs. Grasping his hammer the north, near where the hermit lives. Five volumes is still intact," he thought. dit, then another, and then a third. with both hands and raising it over his head, bandits, one with his arm in a splint, had way "What junk," grumbled the brigand with the The outlaws shouted and cursed in half a Tanareve shouted his healing prayer to laid and beaten a lone traveler. That could broken arm. "Five days of hiding in ditches dozen different languages. Some drew their Tempus. When he looked down again, only be the group Tanareve sought. and risking our necks and what do we get? A weapons and slashed at the air while others Graeme stirred and groaned. He rode north as the sun rose over the pile of junk. What's in those books, eh?" threw themselves on the ground and covered Before long, fortified by wine, bread, and Moonsea. The day promised to be unusually their heads. Within moments, all of them were The bandit who had been paging through the prayer, Graeme was sitting up, his back warm again. Tanareve removed his steel cap dashing for their horses. The booty was for book slammed it shut and tossed it on the against the tree. so the breeze could blow through his hair. gotten in their fright. Believing that they were pile. "Nothing," he snorted, 'just some non '[ under attack from a mad sorcerer, the bandits "I'm awfully glad to see you alive, old man," · Then, for no apparent reason, Faith stopped. sense about Tempus." fled with their lives and were happy to escape. said Tanareve. The cleric urged the horse on, but Faith · "I told you robbing priests was a waste of refused to go forward. Instead, the horse Less than a minute after hurling his hammer, ''The pleasure is mutual," chuckled Graeme. J time," said another of the bandits who was turned to the side. Knowing better than to Tanareve stepped into the clearing and lying on a blanket, watching the smoke from "So," said Tanareve. "How did you come to be ignore his horse's instincts, Tanareve scanned retrieved the weapon - now returned to its the campfire drift past. "Toss 'em on the fire. sleeping in a bound chest in the woods?" the trees along the road. There, behind a fall normal state - from where it had fallen. He They're religious books; they deserve a proper en tree, he saw what appeared to be a path picked up the Text of Asrigir; it appeared cremation." "Actually, I was sleeping right here," explained into the woods. Tanareve led Faith to the path undamaged. Kicking through the pile of loot, Graeme. "Six men on horses came down the and the horse stepped boldly across the log. Tanareve knew he had to act quickly. Pulling he found the other two volumes and road from the west. They jumped from their his hammer from his belt, he cocked back his reclaimed them as well. mounts and set upon me without so much as Tanareve rode a short way into the forest and arm and mouthed a silent prayer to Tempus. then stopped, waiting for his eyes to adjust to With one last glance around the camp, a 'How-Oo.' Oh, they were a sorry lot. I brained Then he hurled the hammer with all his might one of them and broke another's arm before the eternal twilight. A few dozen yards within Tanareve tucked the volumes under his arm straight into the bandits' camp. Suddenly, in they fell back. Unfortunately, they all drew the forest, the path was easy to follow. Slowly and turned to leave. mid-flight, the hammer ignited into a roaring he picked his way along, letting Faith navigate short bows from their saddles - all but the one ball of flame which immediately reformed "Truly a sorry lot," he mumbled, and laughed with the broken arm - and tried to pepper me while he scanned the forest in all directions, itself into a blazing war hammer. to himself. with arrows. Four shots and only one hit, and alert for danger. Concentrating on the spell, Tanareve that below my rib cage. What a sorry lot." He had traveled less than half a mile when "Still, in the end, they were too much for this Tanareve caught the faint scent of wood tired old body. I guess they thought it was smoke. Noting that he was riding almost --- 'i--- pretty funny when they tossed me in that directly into the breeze, Tanareve realized that chest. I thought it was pretty funny that all someone's camp lay dead ahead. He dis they got for their pain was the long-winded mounted. ramblings of Asrigir and the most stupid don Guessing at the position of the camp, key this side of Cormyr. What's next?" Tanareve circled to the right, hoping to get Tanareve stood. "What's next is that you walk between the camp and the rising sun. After back to Hillsfar while I go after the bandits. circling for 15 minutes, he tethered Faith to a Long winded or no, the Overseer wants tree and crept forward. Within minutes, Asrigir's ramblings. I was sent to find them, Tanareve heard voices chattering and horses not you. You should be all right if you trek snorting. through the pasture lands to the coast road.'' The cleric dropped to the ground and crawled "Aye, I'll be fine," said Graeme. "And you toward the sound. A few minutes of crawling shan't have any trouble with that lot. What a brought him to within sight of the camp. He sorry bunch. I'll be in more danger walking counted five horses on the far side of the amongst the sheep herds than you will camp, their reins draped across a tree branch. l amongst the wolves." One of the bandits stood among them, brush 'ii 'i' 'i 'i 'i' ing a horse. The other four were seated or 1 lying on the ground around the fire, grumbling The next morning, Tanareve found himself and sifting through a meager pile of loot. again riding out of the trading post before None of them looked happy; the one with his dawn. As he'd been eating his evening meal, arm in a sling seemed particularly sullen. Tanareve noted that one of the bandits by the fire was leafing through a large book with stiff 13 14 goodies, the guards looked at the mage and "Your wish is my command," Ren bowed and noted the nod. left the guild with a new set of lock picks and no idea where the Magic shop was. "You can go now, but see that you don't REN 0' 1'11E ST.AR. Ttlfi THIEF cause any trouble." The city of Hillsfar was a large place filled with people and Red Plume Guards. Picking purses "Trouble, mighty lord, I wouldn't dream of it." wasn't going to be easy in a place like this, The smiling Ren walked through the gate and but Ren didn't care. His specialty was opening by James M. Ward turned south. With ajaunty stride he walked locks. He found opening all types of chests a down the street noting the secret thief marks much safer pastime than taking purses or A dusty, tall young man walked down the As he approached the town, it somehow felt on doors and tower walls all leading him climbing walls to get other goodies. Suddenly, road, cursing to himself. The birds, deer, and very right, as if the gods were telling him, "_this south and straight to the Rogues' Guild. from out of the shadows a magic-user with assorted insects hearing his words all ran for is your place, young Rogue." In minutes he 'i'iii'i gold skin and an odd cast to his eyes spoke to cover. Such was the foul nature of his com was at the main gate where several Red Plume him in a whisper. "Good sir, I would show you mentary on the world and his life in general. Guards were stopping all those entering the It was very easy to find the Rogues' Guild in a magic trick. Are you interested?" town. Ren had heard the city was under a new the southwest corner of town. The quick pass "By all the gods, what in the world am I doing lord: a merchant-mage by the name of ing of a few coins allowed Ren to have an The mage stood about six feet tall and was wrong?" A cloud of dust proceeded this rant interview with Swipe, the Rogue guildmaster. dressed in black robes. He had long blond ing, as he Maalthiir. This self-proclaimed First Lord of Hillsfar was said to hair and whispered all of his words. Ren was slammed his once Swipe's guild was much like Rogue Guilds rule the city with an careful, having dealt with mages before. stylish cap against everywhere. The outside of the building iron fist. That was all his grimy tunic. appeared run down, but the inside was richly "No, I think not, kind mage. I'm in a great right by Ren; iron "I've been thrown appointed with the best of furniture. This was hurry right at the moment. Maybe later." Ren fists made for gold out of Waterdeep; to show novice thieves and bards what could knew such mages were just as likely to tele en opportunities. the entire country happen to them if they joined the guild. The port you to a prison or battle than give you The young thief of Cormyr did two huge guards in front of Swipe's inner gold for watching their strange tricks. He smiled for the first everything they chambers clearly showed what could happen rushed past, trying to get out of the mage's time in many days at could to end my if the guild were ever crossed. These guards sight as quickly as possible. the prospect of a life; the bandits of looked like they could kill a man with their new life here. It tookjust about an hour for Ren to find the Yulash killed the eyelashes. One of them opened the door and Magic shop. However, the ancient crone who best horse I ever let Ren in, but neither entered with him. "Oh, ajester," one worked there was no help at all. She looked had; and now I am of the Red Plume to be about a hundred and could barely talk. almost copperless "Swipe must be a brave man," Ren whispered Learn what Ren already knows: Guards sneered, tak Ren was sure she couldn't chew Dart Weed and entering a to himself. pubs an excellent source of ing issue with Ren's and walk at the same time. strange town. OK, are gossip and Information. easy manner. "We Guildmaster Swipe stood up and stood up and enough is enough. know how to handle stood up. Ren had never seen such a tall man. ''That's a very rare type of poison fungus you I vow to follow the your type. Hand As he came to give Swipe the Rogues' grip, seek, young master. The only place I've ever rules of this new over all your Ren - a head taller than six feet - was at least seen it is in the sewers below the city." city I'm approaching. I vow to remain calm weapons and any magical items you might two feet shorter than the giant. Swipe sat in a "Sewers," Ren shook his head, not liking any and not get into fights. I'll find the guildmaster have, by order of the First Lord, Maalthiir." huge chair and Ren in a more normal one. thing he was hearing. "There wouldn't be of thieves and play the role of a model guild giant rats, ghouls, and monsters of all types in member. Did you hear that Sune?" Ren shout Already, Ren's vow of peace was difficult to The young thief quickly realized that all of this the sewers of Hillsfar, would there?" ed to his pretty goddess, "I'll try to be as good keep. "Why of course noble lord, I assume my was designed to intimidate those who talked things will be returned to me when I leave as I can be, if you quit kicking me in the back to Swipe. It was working. Ren wasn't going to The crone laughed. "That and lots more. I was your wondrous city?" side." He also muttered a silent prayer to show his new guildmaster, although. there last week and look at me, he, he, he." Tyrnora; it couldn't hurt to have a little help Ren noticed the crossbowmen on the upper "So you want to join my guild, lad. Well, that's "You look old and ugly, but so what?" Ren from another direction. gates, the ten other guards resting in the a right sound idea. All you have to do is prove asked. At the same time, he rounded a bend in the shade of the wall, and the alert nature of the your worth to me." two in front of him. He knew the price he "I'm twenty-four years old," the crone said. forest road; the city of Hillsfar was a welcome "How may I do this, master?" Ren knew that would pay for causing trouble. Ren handed sight. From a distance, it was a lovely place, one wrong move would get him killed in one Somehow Ren wasn't surprised. over his ten throwing knives, his two short set against the gleaming tides of the emerald of several nasty ways. 'i'i'i'ii green Moonsea. Colorful towers rose and swords, the sack of caltrops, his potion of touched the clouds in the morning sunlight. giant strength, and his teleport scroll. The "I've need of a special fungus that has Sewers in any town of the Forgotten Realms young thief also noted the mage with the become very hard to find of late. Go to the were easy to find. All one had to do was fol- wand of magic detection pointed in his direc Magic shop and don't come back to me until tion. After being carefully frisked for other you have the fungus." 15 16 low one's nose to the worst smelling hole in jumped the walls and stumps or walked his the ground. Ren wasn't very pleased by the horse out of danger. entrance he found. It was a black, bricked Before the sun set, he reached the Hermit's hole that had death written all over it. He entered, wishing he had about fifty weapons Place and, finding no one outside, he easily in his possession. The first thing he noticed picked the lock and entered. The cottage was was the glowing fungus on the walls. He was a strange maze of rooms. There were several chests in the chambers and Ren began pick strongly tempted to take some of it back to by James M. Ward Swipe, but thought better of it after a ing their locks. Many were easy to open, but moment's consideration. The crone had told all had nothing inside. A few locks had as him the fungus he needed was yellowish. This many as seven tumblers and these usually A very angry dwarf tramped up to the gates of Granite didn't like the idea of turning over his fungus was a sickly green color. Now that Ren contained a treasure of gold. Naturally, Ren Hillsfar. He didn't like humans and he didn't battleaxe. It had been in the family for ten was looking closer, it also oozed a sickening pocketed these gifts. If the hermit was foolish like towns. Unfortunately for him, he was a generations, one thousand human years. blue slime. enough to leave his chambers unguarded, prince among his people and princes have Looking at the walls and gate area, he only then he would get what he deserved. certain responsibilities. At least that was what saw about thirty guards. Briefly he considered "No, I don't think the good guildmaster needs his father, grandfather, great grandfather, and killing them all and just walking into the city. While opening one chest, a huge blast of gas any of this stuff." the King of his clan of dwarves - his great, But, he rejected that idea because someone spewed forth from a hidden trap Ren hadn't great grandfather - kept telling him. Barely a was bound to hear the ruckus. Then it would Moving into the tunnels, he heard the squeal detected. The bold, young thief tried to hold hundred years old, of rats. If he heard the roar of rats, he would his breath, fearing vile poison, but wasn't fast c------r------,.,------r get around town that it was time for his he was impolite or take notice. Then he discovered a metal enough. He fell to the ground and darkness questing journey. something. That bound chest in the middle of a tunnel. filled his vision. All dwarves go on wouldn't be good for "What is a chest doing in the sewers?" Ren iiiii a questingjourney his chances of get asked the walls. They didn't provide an Much later, Ren awoke. Sleep gas! He wasn't to prove their ting into the stupid answer. Quickly he got out his picking tools. dead, but there could only be one reason for worth. Already, he human guild. One tumbler, two tumblers, three tumblers a non-deadly gas. There must be guards in had killed a band However, these later the box was opened. The goo on the this place and perhaps they were searching of ores, rescued a humans would have lock had gotten all over his picks and there for him now. He hadn't finished picking this wizard elf from cer to be warned about was nothing in the chest! lock and found it to be extremely difficult. tain death, and what would happen out-riddled a drag if his axe were not He kicked the chest and it tipped over. There, "Well, my Dad always said there would be on. He was on the there when he underneath the chest, was the golden glow of days like this; when all the skill in the world last part of his returned for it. the fungus he was sent to find. Success! Ren isn't enough, it's necessary to use a good quest now and he Fight.ecs. such as Granite, look Granite gently cov loved it when his plans worked out perfectly. right arm." Ren took a rock and, bashing at didn't like it one forward to the grand ceremonies ered his weapon in the chest, broke it open with a few strikes, bit. He had to join held after successful quests. The young. soon to be great, thief gathered up soft cloth he found thereby revealing the misty white liquid he a human Fighters' what he could find of the fungus into two bun in his backpack and sought. Rushing out of the Hermit's Place, he guild and accom- dles: a large one and a small one. Rushing out then laid the axe rev hurried back to Hillsfar. plish one task for the master. Granite wasn't of the sewers, he hurried back to the guild erently in front of two guards. Then, he looking forward to this last part because hall. Swipe saw him instantly. "Well done, you Swipe was very pleased with the vial he held walked over to the ebony-colored stone wall humans were all soft and stupid. But, he was are truly a master of thieves. " in his hand. "You've done a good job. Ren, by the gate and motioned for the obvious cap you've become a welcomed member of my a noble dwarf from a race of noble dwarves Swipe held the small sack of fungus in his tain of the guards to come over. guild. 1 reward you with 1,250 gold pieces for and he was going to do his duty nobly. hand. "Naturally, this was only the first step in "That axe is important to me. Observe this your efforts. Now go." "I' m not going to like it, mind you, but I will your becoming a guild member. Now you must please." go to the Hermit's Place, to the north and west Ren smiled one more time as he placed the do it. " Granite swung back and punched his fist of the city. There you will find a chest contain large sack of gold in the folds of his cloak, "Like what, little man?" A human guard said, through the wall, up to his elbow. He took out ing a potion with a misty white liquid in it. careful not the break the other two vials of looking down on Granite while he leaned his undamaged fist and blew the rock dust off Bring back all the potions you find there." white liquid. If Swipe was willing to pay so against the city gate. There was a stupid grin handsomely for one bottle, others might pay of it. Ren left, wondering how many more quests on the guard's face. even better for the other two bottles Ren "I will put similar holes in anyone who looses he would have to face to please the guildmas "I was talking to myself. What do I have to do had found. my axe. " ter. It took only a moment to steal a fine horse to be allowed into the city?" and ride down the roads leading away from Yes, this was going to be a perfect town Having made his point, 11e walked into town. Hillsfar. The paths he took were filled with "Nothing much," said another guard coming for Ren. 'i Granite was an unusually strong dwarf. thief traps designed to stall the uncautious. up behind Granite. "All you have to do is turn Ren was wise to all of them and either over all your weapons and magic items while you are in the city. Then we can let you in." 17 18 Granite had wandered around the strange strength it would take to do such a feat as she Just then a huge fight broke out in the other Granite could see that his words had affected human city for most of the day, not finding had just seen. half of the pub and while others went to join Taurus. the Fighters' Guild or anything else of interest. the fun, Granite went to the arena. "l need directions to the Fighters' Guild." "I have been sent by the Fighters' Guild to He moved to an archery range, of sorts, and 'i'i'i'i'i help Jared. Do you know where he is?' watched the contestants. After a bit a human Granite walked away from the target range as "You want to what?" the arena attendant The minotaur was swinging his quarterstaff woman came up to him. two strong men strained to carry the damaged asked. wooden post away. Granite walked into the with all his might but nothing was getting ''Your turn dwarf, what do you want to use?" guild and talked to the guildmaster, Caratacus. "I would like to fight. Is there a problem?" through the whirling defense of the dwarf's Tanna asked. short staff. "Well, dwarf, we don't get many of your kind "Well normally the Red Plume Guards have to "Do you have any throwing axes or boulders?" here," said the guild Master. drag contestants kicking and screaming into "Jared left a message at the Hermit's Place "No, for your type we just have slings, dag the arena. We don't get many volunteers outside town. It is in one of the chests there. "No surprise there," Granite snorted. "I want gers, darts, and arrows. What will it be dwarf?" here." Now fight me and quit talking, you little to be in your guild and I want to accomplish a shrimp." Granite didn't like her manner, but he sup task. What can I do?" "I would like to fight Taurus, the Minotaur, if posed all human women were alike. This one that's all right?" That last comment was probably a mistake. "Well, harump, umm, let's see now. As to get must be young; she didn't have a beard. Granite dropped his staff and slammed his fist ting in the guild, you are already in. We are "Well there is a problem there," the attendant Looking over the missiles, he selected the into the minotaur. The creature landed in the very informal about that here in town. I don't said scratching his bald head. ''You have to daggers because they were heaviest. arena boss' seat twenty feet above the sands have anything specific for you to do right now. defeat Lefty first and he is a mean customer." of the arena. The dwarf didn't like being Standing up to the throwing mark, he threw Why don't you go to the Rat's Nest Pub and "Lefty is the champion of the day?" Granite called names. five daggers in as many seconds. He threw keep your ears open. If you hear any news said not caring how he had to get to the Granite's next stop was the stables. them so hard they were impossible to follow about a certain Jared Jymn, act on it. He is a minotaur. to the target fifty yards away. When Tanna guild member who is in trouble right now." Up until now, horses, ponies, and mules had looked she could see no daggers sticking out "Naa, Lefty is an ore. He is the best of the first With directions to the pub, the dwarf was off. always left Granite alone and he had left them of the target. level fighters. " caratacus seemed like a good sort, for a alone. But if the dwarf was ever going to "Missed with all five!" she laughed. human, but he didn't look very strong. Granite "An ore? " Granite said smiling for the first quickly finish this task, he would have to use doubted if the fellow could lift more than five time in hours. "This task isn't going to be so the services of some type of mount to get to Granite smiled and threw the other five as hundred pounds. bad after all. Where do I sign up?" the Hermit's Place and back. He decided to quickly as the first group. sleep in the stables that night and think about Although the dwarf hadn't been in many It was I 0 A.M., but the arena was filled with the problem. "Walk with me for a moment would you?" he human pubs, he was really unimpressed with cheering people. Granite was given a thick said in a sweet voice. the Rat's Nest. Pulling up a bench, he asked quarterstaff that must have been made for a The next morning, the riding problem had to They moved to the huge target which was the very young (she had no beard either) serv human. He brought the thing onto the sands be solved. Granite solved the problem the round, with several rings painted on it. The ing wench for a barrel of ale. of the arena and watched Lefty, the ore, come only way he knew how, "Give me the fastest out and wave to the cheering stands. When horse you have." He figured his task would be wood must have weighed at least four hun ''You mean tankard, don't you?" she asked. dred pounds. There were notches all over the the ore was within reaching distance, the over quicker, one way or another. target from past throws. Granite put his finger "No, I mean barrel. " He took the platinum dwarf broke his own staff in half and smashed The beast was named Lightning and Granite out and gently pushed the top of the target coin he was using to pay the bill and pushed Lefty with one piece of it breaking Lefty was assured that as long as he was on and the top half fell over with a loud crash. it through her metal serving tray to press almost in half. The crowd was too stunned by Lightning's back, the animal would go full tilt. There were ten holes evenly spaced through home his point. the quick battle to react. The crowd instantly That sounded great. However, in practice, it the middle of the target. Fifty yards further, started chanting, 'Tuurus, Taurus!" So, for the next three hours he drank his ale wasn't ten daggers in an even row were buried to and listened to the conversations around him. The minotaur came at Granite with a rush. their hilts in a stone wall. The dwarf had The roads were filled with stumps, hay Finally, he struck verbal gold when he heard Using his horns as well as his staff, he tried a thrown the daggers through the target and cut mounds, ponds, and fences. Every time the humans at the next table talking about series of mighty blows against the dwarf. Each it in half! Lightning came to one of these obstructions Jared's problems with the Red Plume Guards. was easily blocked. When Taurus backed off the horse felt the need to jump it. And every "Any questions?" he asked. to try a new line of attack, Granite started time Lightningjumped an obstacle, Granite "I can't believe Jared stole any gems," one of talking. "No, is there anything I can do for you?" she the men was saying. said in a hushed whisper, calculating the "So, Taurus, I hear you are a friend of ''Yar right I don't believe it either. Many's the Jared's." times I seen him fighting in the arena, just for fun. He had a few pals there too. That big Granite blocked Taurus' horns and two strikes minotaur, Taurus, was a buddy wasn't he?" to the left and easily defended a strike at his head. "I think yar right..." 19 20 would fall off the horse. After the twentieth Getting into the mansion was easy, but finding stump, the dwarf was very tired of riding. But that secret chamber took quite some time. he did find the Hermit's Place and naturally, Finally, in one corner of a room, he located the way his luck was going, he didn't find the the secret door and went inside. Almost hermit. Entering the area he discovered instantly, he discovered Jared hiding among several metal-bound chests. the shadows. "One of these must hold the message of After telling the frightened man he was here where Jared can be found." to help him, the dwarf heard the whole story. by Mike Breault It seems Mordak, the court wizard, had actual Each chest was locked, and Granite wasn't ly stolen the jewels and tricked the Red Plume Mhai drifted lazily through the familiar territory a vision appeared of the door to one of good with locks. He was good at breaking Guard into believing Jared was the guilty. of his dreams, his mind's eye exploring each Hillsfar's magic shops, the only business in things, however. After smashing three locks, party. Jared had proof of Mordak's guilt but facet of the scenes dragged up from his sub the city that had a perpetual Going Out of he had found his message: Jared was in a the guards had orders to kill him on sight. If conscious. One of his Favorite dream seg Business sale. (Mhai once asked how this secret chamber in Hillsfar's Haunted Mansion. Granite could go to the Bugbear's Cave Pub ments was just now appearing, a pleasant could be and he was told it was magic and to and give the evidence to the Princess of pastoral setting of dwarven maidens in a sun beat it if he wasn't buying.) He could see that The long ride back was infinitely forgettable. Hillsfar, Jared would become a free man. lit meadow. (Mhai knew they were maidens the door was locked and the street was dark. Parts of Granite's body would never forget it, because they parted their beards in the mid The arms pointed to Mhai and then pointed to but his mind put the pain of more falls behind Getting directions to the pub and finding the dle.) The dwarves the magic shop him. Granite told the stable boy what he princess was a breeze compared to falling off were cavorting door; Mhai stared could do with Lightning and hurried off to the Lightning 85 times. Granite collected his about in huge vats blankly. The fingers mansion. The dwarf wanted to get there while reward from the guild Master for helping Jared of milk. Their made little walking there was still bright sunlight to be seen. He Jymn, and left Hillsfar without once looking stumpy, hairy legs motions and then hadn't had all that much experience with back. His quest over, he thought how nice it were churning the gave up. The arms haunted things, but his great, great, great, would be to become king of his clan, invade milk into frothy popped into nonex grandmother had always told him that the Hillsfar, and level the place. But that wouldn't masses of slightly istence. undead didn't do muct during the daytime. be for a hundred years or so. hairy butter. Mhai When the vision (who had never ended, Mhai awoke been out of the glo with a start to find ---'i- -- rious city of Hillsfar) himself staring into imagined that such unblinking eyes scenes took place less than an inch all the time in the Mhal like all dJaracters, must mit from his nose. farms outside the his guHd frequenUy for lnfonnation city. l'ital to the completion of his quest. "Aiiiiieeeee," he shrieked, leaping Abruptly the scene into the air. shifted. Though still Clinging to the barn's rafters, he looked down dreaming, he was suddenly back in the stable to see the now-recognizable form of his famil where he was spending the night. His mind's iar frog, Dodo. eye hovered in the rafters, taking in his sleep ing form sprawled out in the hay, as well as "Gads," Mhai said, "I've told you not to do the dimly seen forms of horses in their stalls. that." The room began to spin, slowly at first, then "I know, "Dodo said telepathically, "but I can faster and faster. Two arms formed out of the never resist watching the sheer, youthful exu blur. They were a womans' arms, Mhai was berance with which you awaken to tackle certain, despite the presence of a rose tattoo each new day. Reminds me of myself when I with the inscription "Mom" on one arm. The arms beckoned to him, and a pair of feminine was just a tadpole." lips appeared, forming soundless words that Mhai told Dodo of his vision and asked the he couldn't quite understand. After a while, frog's advice. Dodo shook his head sadly and the lips seemed annoyed at his inability to said to Mhai, ''You know, you keep forgetting catch on, and disappeared with a petulant that even though I'm only one year old in popping sound. human terms, that's really about 70 in frog- The arms apparently had more patience, for they continued to gesture and in Mhai's mind 21 22 years. Who's going to do your thinking for you never noticed before - an ornately-carved post was cratered with holes and littered with "Er... ah .. .I mean ... are you the quarry master?" when I croak? The vision obviously wants you pick whose handle was inscribed with the fallen branches, and Mhai's horse seemed to Mhai finally managed to ask. to go to the magic shop at night and break in. word "Stonemaster." The pick seemed to glow trip over every obstacle. "My tax gold pieces "Of course I'm the quarry master. Who else Must be something important in there. Maybe faintly in the dim light. Dodo peered at it from at work," Mhai thought glumly, as he sprawled around here looks foolish enough to agree to this is what the guildmaster at the Mages' Mhai's pocket. on the ground time and again. At last the supervise 200 butter-fingered, troll-brained Guild meant when he said that there was a nightmarish ride was over and Mhai walked excuses for craftsmen? Now, what do you task for you. Remember? He said to be ready "Well, it appears to be something special all shakily into the trading post, feeling much the want - and it better be important!" for it no matter how you came upon it. This right. Maybe that's what the lady wanted you worse for wear. to find." could be your big break. Let's go while it's "!...um .. have this for you," Mhai said as he The trader was very happy to be of service, .! still dark." unwrapped Stonemaster and held it down so "But what do we do with it? It sure doesn't for a price. For 5 gold pieces, Mhai was the dwarf could see it. "But what about the Red Plume Guards? You belong here -we'd have noticed it before. allowed to look at a map that showed a path Besides, it actually looks valuable and that's know what'll happen if they catch me break leading to a Hermit's Place to the north. "Well, I'll be a wart on an ogre's behind! awfully unusual for this shop. It must belong ing into the shop at night." Mhai shuddered at Farther to the north, with no path indicated, Stonemaster has returned at last." The quarry to someone. Maybe that's what we're sup the thought of the purnmeling he had taken in was an area bearing the legend "The Quarry's master glanced up at Mhai almost pleasantly. posed to do - figure out who it belongs to and the Arena the last time he'd explored an Around Here Somewhere (I Think)." "Diane told me someone would come bearing give it back to them. Who do you suppose it establishment after hours. Reluctantly, Mhai mounted his horse for the Stonemaster. She left this elixir for you." belongs to?" torturous ride to the Hermit's Place. "Well, you can outwit...er, outrun them," He handed Mhai a translucent glass bottle that Dodo sighed and shook his head. "Well now, Dodo said. "I'll help you. Come on, do you Once there, Mhai discovered that the hermit was filled with a red liquid. really enjoy sleeping on horse-manure pillows what does 'Stonemaster' say to you?" had apparently taken a vow of silence and 'Tm not sure what this stuff is," he said with a every night?" "I know," said Mhai. "It must be the quarry would do no more than nod his head to the north and hum maniacally. With a sign, Mhai grin, "but it's yours now. Many thanks for "OK, but I hope you'll be sorry if ol' Lefty, the master in charge of the rock quarry west of headed off into the woods, leading his horse returning Stonemaster. Now we can really Ore, uses me to break in a new quarterstaff town! But if we want to see him, we'll have to along an overgrown trail that wouldn't have send some stone a-flying." again." leave the city and go wandering through dark forests overrun by lions, tigers, and bears!" qualified as a decent-sized rut in the paths he Mhai led his horse back into the woods and Mhai bent over and scooped Dodo into his had ridden earlier that day. Dodo hopped sat down with Dodo to examine the bottle. shirt pocket. He tiptoed out of the stables and "Oh my," said Dodo. alongside him, happy to be in the woods and "Now what do we do?" Mhai said. into the night. The two hurried down streets, "OK, be sarcastic; some help you are. I guess free of Mhai's sweaty pocket at last. made unfamiliar by the darkness and the fog I have to do it, though. The guildmaster may After walking through the forest for an hour, "I sure wouldn't open it if I were you," Dodo that had rolled in from the Moonsea - not never forgive me if I don't come through for Mhai stumbled onto a clearing around a small replied. "Wait until we can show it to the guild thick enough to really obscure vision, butjust him on this quest." hill. The entire hill was a beehive of activity. master. He should know what to do." enough to make things eerie. Mhai headed Dwarven and human miners swarmed over it, southwest through Hillsfar's zigzagging maze Mhai wrapped the pick in a rag and carried it Mhai agreed. He wrapped the bottle carefully excavating deep holes into the hillside, clear of streets, glancing up nervously at the shut under his robes as he scurried back to the sta and placed it inside his robes. Then he put ing topsoil to prepare new dig sites, carting tered houses and businesses as he passed by. bles. The only person he saw was a mage who Dodo in his pocket and began the ride back away rock and sorting it into piles, and per After a ten-minute walk that seemed much suddenly appeared in front of him in a partic to Hillsfar. ularly dark portion of Market Street. Mhai sti forming other duties he could not decipher. longer, Mhai found himself at the magic shop Many a merry spill later, Mhai and the horse fled a shriek (much to Dodo's disappoint door. Mhai and Dodo approached the nearest work limped through the city gates. Dusk was gath ment) as Wak Rathar leered at him and asked er and asked to see the quarry master. They Eager to be off the streets, Mhai pulled out ering as they finally entered the stables. Mhai if Mhai wanted to see a magic trick. Since were told that he was in a small shack near one of his knock rings (discovered during an bid good riddance to the horse (the feeling Mhai had fallen for this once before, and had the opening of the largest excavation. Mhai earlier adventure) and used it on the lock, was mutual) and flopped down to sleep on the found himself in the Arena being walloped by scrambled over the rock-strewn ground to the praying that it opened the door before the nearest relatively manure-free pile of straw. Lefty, the Ore, Mhai declined the invitation shack and knocked on the door, setting off a trap was sprung. When the lock clicked, Mhai (even though he'd heard that gold, rather than small avalanche of rock dust from the roof. The sun was high in the sky by the time Mhai heaved open the door. The shop looked dif the Arena, sometimes rewarded the daring). "Well," said Dodo to Mhai, "at least you're was awakened by a horrible groaning sound. ferent at night, he thought, more maze-like The rest of the trip was without incident. going to make a good first impression. " Slowly he realized that he was the one groan and ominous. After a mental nudge from ing. Even his eyelids seemed bruised as he Mhai reached the stables just as the rising sun Dodo, Mhai began to search for anything Before Mhai could reply, the door to the shack struggled to open them. He rose to his feet, appeared over the city walls. He located unusual that might help him figure out what was flung open and Mhai found himself star snarling at Dodo and mentally daring the frog Darnin and talked him into lending him a the Arm and Lip Lady (as he thought of her) ing at an extremely irate dwarf. to laugh. Dodo casually snared a few flies for horse for the journey. Mhai had heard that the wanted him to find. breakfast, oblivious to Mhai's glares. quarry was beyond the trading post to the "Can't you incompetent fools do anything Mhai rummaged through dozens of chests. west of Hillsfar, so he set out to visit the trader without me leading you around by the Most of the items he found were long familiar in order to gather information~ The path to the hands?" the dwarf snarled. "Well, what is it to him from the many hours he'd spent in this this time? Speak up, or are you dumb in both shop. Finally, Mhai found something that he'd senses of the word?" 23 24 "How good to see you up, Mhai," he said final "The first honor is of exacting aim on the •first a marksman and now a horseman. What room, he staggered as if physically struck by ly. He was enjoying the moment to the hilt. fourth board," she said. With that cryptic pro new talent will you display next?" the sense of evil that emanated from within. "All ready to prance over to the Mages' Guild, nouncement, the woman began to fade. Her Mhai entered the room and desperately looked At the trading post, Mhai was told that the are we?" lips were the last to go, lingering for a few sec for the chest Diane's daughter said would be ruins were but a short ride to the south. He onds to whisper the word, "Tanna," and then there. In the darkest corner of the room, an If thoughts could kill, Dodo would have been found the Wizard's Labyrinth at the end of the fading from sight as well. evil presence stirred and began to spread the frog-leg entree that night at the Ruby trail from the ruins. toward him; Mhai could feel his will to move Slippers Pub. As it was, Mhai just groaned Mhai awoke with a bad headache. He put his being sucked away. "Get moving!" came again and began to half-walk, half-crawl out hand to his aching head and felt a bandage Using a knock ring, Mhai entered the Dodo's thought into Mhai's mind. "The chest! the door of the stables. Inspired by the sight wrapped around it. He sat up and waited for labyrinth, and he and Dodo set out to explore Open the chest or your name's breakfast!" of his master painfully staggering down the the room to stop spinning. it. After several hours of peering into rotted treasure chests and exploring dead-end corri street, Dodo wrapped his long tongue around Mhai snapped out of the paralysis that had ''What did she tell you this time, Mhai?" Dodo dors, Mhai and Dodo discovered a bottle with one of the stable hands' drinking cups. gripped him, leaped at the chest, and flung it asked, once Mhai felt well enough to stand. a reddish liquid in one of the chests. Hopping along with Mhai, Dodo held out the open just as the spirit clutched him. All light cup to passers-by, most of whom dropped in "We have to go to Tanna's Archery Range by "An elixir of Diane," Mhai said triumphantly. and warmth began to leave the world. "It's a coin or two out of pity for the poor soul who the stables," Mhai said weakly. He picked up He started to uncork the bottle. over," Mhai thought weakly. "It's too late." seemed to be suffering from some unfamiliar, Dodo, left the guild, and headed northeast Suddenly a brilliant light blazed from the but doubtless incredibly painful, disease. through the busy streets. "Wait," said Dodo, "lie down and then uncork chest and stabbed at the dark heart of the evil Since they had to go halfway across town (and the bottle. Once again the reddish vapor spirit. Mhai could feel his strength returning as Once there, he picked up a wand for the tar past the rich folk who lived around the castle) poured out and the world dimmed. Mhai found the evil spirit was forced away from him by a get shooting competition and went out to the to reach the Mages' Guild, Dodo had collected himself drifting in a formless void. Diane's good spirit rising up from the chest. As the range. On the first board (or round) of compe almost 96 gold pieces by the time they daughter appeared suddenly in front of him. evil spirit flew out the window, it paused for tition, he placed second and won 30 gold reached their destination. Mhai was almost an instant and turned back to Mhai. "I'll get pieces. On the second and third boards, he "The second honor," she said, "is one of free walking erect by then, despite Dodo's admoni you, Mhai Prittee, and your little frog, Dodo, seemed to hit everything he aimed at, even ing the Mages' Tower from a malevolent spirit. tions to milk the crowd for all it was worth. too!" And then it was gone. pegging the pesky rats a few times. For once, You need to open a special chest within the After a long delay, Mhai was ushered into the the running commentary of the announcer room it inhabits." The woman disappeared in Mhai stood slowly. The good spirit came to his Master's chambers. didn't disturb his concentration. He placed the usual manner - lips last. side and spoke to him: ''You are honored this first in both boards, winning money he didn't day with the second honor of Diane." With "So, what brings you in to see me, Mage Mhai told Dodo about the woman's message bother to count. He cast everything aside but that, the good spirit flew out the window in Prittee?" said Glinda, Master of Mages. as they rode for Hillsfar in the gathering his goal of placing in the top five on the fourth darkness of evening. "Malevolent spirit?" pursuit of the evil one. Mhai watched the spirit "This bottle, Sir. I hope that you might be able board. After hitting the swinging target a few Dodo said. "What happened to your go, but felt at the same time that the essence to tell me what it is and what I should do with times, he decided to concentrate on getting common sense?" of the spirit was somehow still with him. it," Mhai said. rid of the rats. (He couldn't bear to think of Whatever lay before him, he was not afraid. hitting the beautiful birds that occasionally ·1 am on a quest," Mhai replied, "to earn a ''You have found the elixir of Diane! I thought Mhai looked into the chest and saw a bottle flew across the target range.) He had always spot beside the honored mages of my guild. this lost with the disappearance of her daugh filled with reddish liquid. Mhai and Dodo hur hated rats, though. He hit four of them on this That's worth a little risk." ter. Wonder not what you should do with it, ried out of the Mages' Tower, glad to be back board and placed second this time. He had but rather what it shall do to you." "You'll earn a spot beside the other mages of in the friendly bustle of Hillsfar's streets. done it! "Maybe there's hope for you yet," your guild all right," said Dodo. "Right inside With that the guildmaster uncorked the bottle. Dodo said from inside Mhai's pocket. that spirit's stomach. I hear there's a regular Once back in the stables, Mhai sat down A thin, red vapor quickly escaped from the against a bale of hay and opened the bottle. After he collected his winnings, Tanna took conclave of your fellows in there." opening. To Mhai, the fragrance was intoxicat Almost instantly, Diane's daughter appeared him aside. She glanced around to make sure ing. He caught a fleeting glimpse of Dodo fran "Quiet or I'll turn you into a prince." Mhai before him. "The third and last honor, my dar no one could overhear.·Then she whispered, tically leaping out of his pocket. Then his sight threatened, and at that prospect Dodo ing mage, is one of defeating the proud mino ''You are honored this day, bold mage, with dimmed and the floor seemed to rush up to stopped arguing and settled for muttering dire taur, Taurus, in the Arena. He is the instigator the first honor of Diane. Your quest now leads greet his face. predictions under his mental breath. of my imprisonment." you outside of Hillsfar. You will find more of The next thing he knew, Mhai was floating in a Diane's elixir in the Wizard's Labyrinth located The next morning Mhai set out for the Mages' She smiled at Mhai and faded away with a dream, watching something materialize in near the ruins." Tower. He headed for the southeastern end of wave. As her lips disappeared, she whispered, front of him. A tall, handsome woman slowly town, clutching his purse tightly as he passed "Good luck, my hero." Mhai once more resigned himself to a ride appeared; Mhai recognized her lips and arms the Rogues' Guild headquarters. Soon he was through the country. He borrowed a horse Mhai awoke the next morning eager to face from his vision of two nights earlier. "I am the standing before the entrance to the Mages' from Damin and set out for the trading post. Taurus. He left the stables as soon as it was daughter of Diane," she said, "trapped in a Tower. Mhai took a deep breath as he entered He seemed to have less trouble on this ride light and jogged west toward the Arena. Dodo prison. Only a mage thrice honored may the deserted building. He explored the inside and plowed into far fewer ob'1itacles that on tried hard to talk him out of it. He pointed out release me from my doom." of the tower, a feeling of foreboding gathering his previous ride. Even Dodo was impressed. inside him as he approached the top. Pushing "Will wonders never cease?" he said to Mhai. open the shattered door to the uppermost 25 26 how poorly Mhai had fared against Lefty, the servants and men-at-arms. "I am Diane," she Ore, who was a much weaker opponent than said, "and I have watched you master all the the mighty Taurus, a gladiator renowned for trials of this quest. With the defeat of Taurus, his strength and cruelty in the Arena. But Mhai you are now thrice honored, my brave mage. was beyond reason, filled with a hatred of Taurus has imprisoned my daughter in a mir Taurus that he could not shake. ror of life trapping. Only an honored mage such as yourself can break that mirror. Mhai strode into the Arena and bellowed a challenge to Taurus. "I believe this parchment gives a clue to the mirror's whereabouts, but I cannot read it as Taurus slowly walked over to Mhai and hand it is in magical script. I trust you can read it. " ed him a quarterstaff. "Well, human," Taurus She handed Mhai a crumpled parchment, said, "I think it's time for your lesson." stained recently by a reddish-brown liquid. "And I," said Mhai, "think it's time you Mhai read: "Oh great Taurus, I have hidden learned that there's a price to pay for kidnap the mirror in the haunted mansion where ping and imprisoning humans. Defend your none may find it." self, bullman." "The last leg of your quest lies before you, " With a roar, Taurus threw himself at Mhai. Diane said. "Lead us to free my daughter and Then he led with two strikes at Mhai's left, great rewards shall be yours! " then a head butt and then several attacks to Mhai's right side. Mhai was expecting this and Mhai lead the group to the southeastern end easily blocked all the attacks. When he saw of town. Across the street from the Rogues' Taurus lunging forward to strike to his left Guild they found the haunted mansion. Mhai again, Mhai dodged and whacked Taurus on opened the fust chest he found and saw a the right side. Taurus bellowed in anger, mirror lying on the bottom. Hardly daring to though Mhai's blow hardly seemed to faze believe that his quest might be at an end, him. Taurus' head butt was wildly off-target Mhai picked up the mirror and smashed it and Mhai caught Taurus solidly in the face down upon the chest. A cold, sparkling cloud with his counterattack. Taurus stumbled back escaped from the shards of the mirror. The ward but stayed on his feet. Blood flowed into cloud coalesced into the beautiful woman of his eyes. his dreams, Diane's daughter. Mhai sprung to attack while Taurus was dis She threw her arms around Mhai and hugged tracted. Too late he saw the minotaur's staff him. "Oh thank you, my honored mage,'' she swing out at his legs. It knocked him off his said. Mhai just stared at her, dazed by her feet and he watched in horror as Taurus ran beauty. Diane rushed in and embraced her forward, holding his quarterstaff as if to pin daughter. She turned to Mhai and told him his him to the Arena sand. Then at the last instant, reward was waiting for him at the Mages' Taurus pitched face first into the·sand. Mhai Guild. With a bow to Diane and a last back thanked whatever gods were looking after him ward glance at her daughter (whose name he and rose to his feet, gritting his teeth against never did learn), Mhai reluctantly headed for the pain in his legs. He brought his quarterstaff his guild house. down on Taurus' head. Only then did he Glinda greeted him warmly as he entered. "My notice Dodo with his two-foot-long tongue boy," he said, "you have made us all very wrapped around both of Taurus' ankles. proud. Here is a bag containing 21,500 gold "It's the frog god you should be thanking," pieces, as a token of Diane's gratitude. In Dodo said as he painfully retracted his addition,.with my ring of wishes, I will make tongue. ''You'll have to catch flies for me for you sturdier, stronger, and able to withstand the next month or so." more damage." "Just as long as I don't have to do it with my The next day, Mhai purchased Magesteed tongue," Mhai said. He picked up Dodo gently from Damin and rode off toward Tilverton. and placed him in his pocket. Perhaps someday he and Dodo would return to Hillsfar. There were certain attractions to As Mhai limped out of the Arena to the ovation the old place after all. of the crowd, a richly-dressed woman stepped 'i up to him. She was accompanied by several 27 for a successful stay in HILLSFAR Now is included, plus an added you may find yourself saying, bonus: four original short "Now what?" quite often. stories by TSR authors! Unless, of course, you have ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, WHAT? this clue book. FORGOTIEN REALMS and the TSR logo are trademark.s owned by and used under license The meanest Minotaur The secrets of HILLSFAR are all From TSR, Inc. , Lake Geneva, WI. U.S.A. you've ever seen wants to here - valuable hints to help @:1 1989 TSR, Inc. stomp you into the dust. You you master all five arcade All rights reserved. must do something, but what? events, step-by-step instruc MADE IN U.S. A. TSR, Inc. You haven't got a clue! tions for solving every quest HJLLSFAR, SSl 's new AD&D9 (for each character type) in the computer action adventure, is game, and a full-color map of so full of exciting situations the city with all of the build such as the one above, that ings labeled for you. Every thing you could possibly need 0 16685 57002 8